61 jobs for P.E.I.

VAC headquarters in Charlottetown to get new jobs

After a string of job cuts and belt tightening at Veterans Affairs Canada Headquarters in Charlottetown, the major P.E.I. employer will soon be growing by 61 new employees.

Minister of Veterans Affairs Erin O’Toole told employees jammed into the atrium of Daniel J. MacDonald Building Thursday that the new positions are being added to support the department’s disability application and case management processes for military veterans and former members of the RCMP.

However, the minister did not shed light on the pace or size of any future downsizing at the headquarters.

He would only note that with the hiring of 61 new employees, the “level of employment at Veterans Affairs Canada has remained relatively static.’’

The most recent survey of federal employees shows Veterans Affairs Canada is an increasingly unhappy work place with plunging morale and a frazzled workforce.

Of the 61 new employees, 33 (20 permanent and 13 temporary) will work on disability benefits applications.

One permanent case manager will be hired in Charlottetown to dedicate more time and attention to meeting the individual needs of military and RCMP veterans living in P.E.I.

Sixteen case management support staff will be hired to assist case managers across Canada.

The remaining 11 employees heading to the headquarters will help support the process of hiring, training, and engaging the new employees.

“Canada’s veterans need to know we have their backs,’’ says O’Toole.

Veterans Affairs Canada provides disability benefits totaling about $2 billion a year to approximately 180,000 individuals, including military veterans, Canadian Armed Forces serving personnel, former RCMP, and RCMP personnel and surviving family members.

Across Canada, Veterans Affairs will hire 101 disability benefits staff to be located in up to 16 locations across the country.

“This means these individuals will have faster access to disability benefits as well as critical health care funding and support, mental health treatment, and family support for their road to wellness,’’ he says.

“By hiring more case managers on the front lines and critically positioning them in communities where the need is greatest, we will ensure that the veteran requiring case management service is never left behind.’’

O’Toole says he is “proud’’ that the first roll out on the new disability benefits staff positions is taking place at the headquarters in Charlottetown.